WilCo Sheriff using 'Zero Tolerance' policy in school zones

The Williamson County Sheriffs Office is cracking down on bad drivers in school zones.

Author:
Christy Millweard

Published:
3:13 PM CDT May 3, 2017

Updated:
6:36 PM CDT May 3, 2017

The Williamson County Sheriffs Office is cracking down on bad drivers in school zones.

After several complaints, Sheriff Robert Chody said they want to make people aware, so they are using “zero tolerance” in local school zones.

Several students at Great Oaks Elementary walk or ride their bicycle to school.

But parents like Andrea Redman said it can be a dangerous route.

“People are driving too fast, they're not stopping, and they certainly don't seem to care when there's a kid in the road out here,” said Redman. "There [are] so many kids and drivers don't seem to respect the crossing guard."

She even said they often drive to the park because she feels the crosswalks aren’t safe.

"I see cars, they just run it, or they'll come right up to the white line and try to inch forward while your kid is walking through the street,” said Redman.

Briana Lombardo often walks to school with her first grader.

"People aren't paying attention, people are still on their phones even though there [are] the flashing lights,” said Lombardo. "We've had people come out into the intersection with the crossing guards with their signs and they're coming all the way out because they're on their phones and everyone's in a hurry so they're not paying attention to all the children."

Hunter Dong has a daughter in first grade.

They often walk to school.

"There's going to be globs of kids and they're on their bikes, and I've seen, witness them almost fall into the street and then you have the cars speeding so it's just not a good combo,” said Lombardo.

"I think sometimes very occasionally there will be some driver not pay very much attention to our kids," said Dong.

But this week, Williamson County Sheriffs Deputies want to get drivers' attention.

With notepads in hand, ready to write tickets, they're looking for violators.

They want to stop anyone who is speeding, rolling through stop signs, not obeying the crossing guards, or on their cell phone.

"I was really excited to see them because safety is a big issue out here,” said Redman. "Every time I see one of them on their motorcycles or in their SUVs it makes me feel good, or if I see them pulling someone over I'm like Yes!” said Lombardo.

"I went out there and saw over a dozen violators speeding during the morning rush hour of school, I was amazed and said, 'Hey we need to do something about this,'” said Chody.

Wednesday morning he said they had about 15 deputies out, and pulled over about 20 people for various offenses.

"I think it's just being complacent and inattention all together, and I think those are the issues and that's what we're there to remind them,” said Chody.

Dong said he doesn’t feel it’s difficult for drivers to just pay attention.

"At least for me, when I see there's signs or signals, or kids, I know that's kind of an area where I need to pay special attention,” said Dong. "I'm hoping they can pay a little more safety to our kids so this can be a safer and better neighborhood."

"I think it’s great and it makes all the parents feel safer I think,” said Lombardo.

The deputies will be back out Thursday morning at Bill Burden Elementary for school drop off and then in the afternoon for pick up.

Chody said they want to make everyone aware of the issue and prevent further dangerous situations.